Trinity locks in for more wrestling success

Trinity’s Aiden Burkholder, here in last year’s state tournament, is amid another strong season. (Randolph Record file photo)

TRINITY — Expectations are naturally high for Trinity’s wrestling team.

The Bulldogs have rolled for most of the season as they gear up for the postseason, which will begin later next week.

“A little bit better than anticipated,” coach Brandon Coggins said.

At the bottom weights and at the top, Trinity is particularly strong – and formidable in between as well.

Coggins said there are wrestlers capable of championships from 106 pounds through 144 pounds, giving the Bulldogs a string of chances to rack up points.

Reigning state champion Aiden Burkholder at 113 and Stephen Cross at 120 are a dynamic pair. Cross, a sophomore who placed fifth in the state last season, has lost one match this season and Burkholder has dropped two.

Of course, they’re workout partners in practice.

“We beat the crap out of each other,” Burkholder said.

The entire group of wrestlers in the lower weights get after it.

“It’s like a little shark tank over there,” Coggins said.

Senior heavyweight Joseph Trahan is undefeated.

On Saturday, the Bulldogs went 5-0 in the Redskins Duals at Manteo. It was the team’s first appearance in the event, with the trip to the eastern part of state a chance to lock up with wrestlers they rarely encounter.

“I wanted to get out and see some different officials around the state and some different competition and broaden our experiences a little bit,” Coggins said.